New Mobility Aircraft Arresting System certified at Holloman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Terri Barriere
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  A certifying test of Holloman's new Mobility Aircraft Arresting System took place on the flight line here October 23, and after stopping a 37 thousand pound aircraft at 97 knots, the system proved to be mission ready. 

Typically, the temporary arresting system is used in deployed environments and for air shows, but will be used here during planned runway construction slated to begin later this year. 

Now officially up and running, the MAAS will be used to safely arrest aircraft landing in emergency situations such as slick runways or in-flight emergencies. 

According to Tech. Sgt. Eric Draper, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of barrier maintenance, the new MAAS will be the number one in-flight emergency arresting gear at Holloman when construction begins on parts of the runway in November. 

"Barrier installation allows us to do much needed runway repair," said Maj. Nathan Clemmer, 49th CES. "It provides a displaced threshold to allow us to operate the runway during construction." 

The new barrier, though most often used in war-time situations or for rapid runway repair, is said to be the first in Air Combat Command to be used for such a prolonged period of time.  

The new system took six people five days and more than 500 man hours to set in place, and according to Mr. Garry Wilson, 49th CES barrier maintenance supervisor, was completely an in-house project completed between the 49 CES and 49th Materiel Maintenance Group. 

"It's built just as tough, strong and durable as any other barrier we have," he said. "We're trying to install this barrier without any deficiency so that it's capable of stopping the same amount of energy as permanent barriers." 

In addition to the newest MAAS or barrier arresting kit on wheels with its Mobile Runway Edge Sheave, the flight also maintains two training MAAS, eight BAK-12s, three BAK- 15s and one BAK-9 that are permanently installed on the airfield.

Sergeant Draper, who has more than seven years barrier experience, said they check for and expect no movement at all in the systems when arresting an aircraft, and the recent certification proved there was no movement in the system and ensured the strength of the install.

Col. Stephen DiFonzo, 49th Mission Support Group commander, proclaimed it a mission success. 

"This was success at its best," he said. "The best planning, the best coordination and the best install lead to perfection - there were no errors, and I'm amazed at the level of perfection displayed by BEAR Base and CE." 

However, though the initial install is now complete and the certification is over, the team still has a bit more work to do. 

"We're still working at this," said Sergeant Draper. "We've got to install temporary tie-downs to hold the cables in place and prevent them from striking the aircraft as it lands." 

As safety is their number one mission, this will prevent unnecessary damage to the aircraft, while still allowing it to land safely. 

"One of the critical parts of our mission to keep pilots and aircraft safe even in emergency situations so it's a validation of that mission," said Major Clemmer. 

In addition to their safety mission, the flight also stores and maintains barriers for ACC, conducts barrier training and also refurbishes the units for other bases. 

"This job is a lot of work ... it's a very stressful process, but it's the most rewarding job I've ever had in the military," said Sergeant Draper. 

Sergeant Draper said sometimes it's easy to take a little bit for granted but a lot of attention to detail must go into his job. 

"Sometimes you don't really think of the magnitude of what you're doing after you've been through so many engagements ... but really it's a big deal," he said.